Germain-Robin Absinthe Superieure 375ml

Some super craft distillers have come up with interesting and delicious takes on what absinthe should be. None has been more impressive to me than the Germain Robin Absinthe Superieure. While the base spirit for absinthe is traditionally brandy distilled from wine, Crispin Cain used the Ukiah-based alambic still where he learned to make the renowned Germain Robin brandy line-up (arguably the best brandy produced in the US, if not the world), and used it to distill an apple-honey mead instead. He then threw in the traditional wormwood, but also included rose geranium and a few other aromatic devices, and then he distilled it to an untraditionally low 90 proof-far less than the 120 proof most absinthe sees. The result is a softer, more mild-drinking spirit that still packs a ton of flavor. While most absinthe is greenish, the Germain Robin is almost clear. Not being a traditionalist, I'm not bothered by that, but the spirit does cloud up like a true absinthe should when water is added. Best of all, it comes in a half bottle, so if you're looking for the most economical choice for your home bar, this is it. So far I haven't found very many places carrying it, so I'm happy to be leading the charge. (David Driscoll, Spirits Buyer) 5 stars - Spirits Journal